Desolation Wilderness
Fallen Leaf Lake History: Name Origins, Washoe Legends, and Early Settlement
Fallen Leaf Lake history is deeper than a simple question about how the lake got its name. Tucked just south of Lake Tahoe, this Sierra lake carries layers of history that stretch from Washoe connections and oral tradition to 19th-century exploration, early settlement, resort development, and even modern scientific discoveries hidden...
Fallen Leaf Lake’s Underwater Forest: The Mystery of Its Submerged Trees
At more than 6,300 feet in elevation near the edge of Desolation Wilderness, Fallen Leaf Lake holds one of the Tahoe region’s most unusual natural mysteries: an underwater forest of ancient submerged trees. These trunks and root systems are not just a strange feature hidden beneath the surface. They have become part of a larger...
14 Tips for hiking in Desolation Wilderness
However, since Desolation Wilderness is filled with lakes, mountain peaks, changing weather and wildlife, it can also be a dangerous place for those who are inexperienced. The following is a list to better prepare you for your next Desolation Wilderness adventure: Plan Ahead – The best thing to do is to plan for your hike. …...
Ralston Lake: Ralston Peak’s little wading pool
Ralston Lake sits at about 7800 feet in elevation and is located roughly 1.7 miles northwest of Upper Echo Lake. Directions Take Highway 50 East from Sacramento almost 50 miles before taking a left onto Jonson Pass Road. You will stay left on this road until it dead ends at Lower Echo Lake. Trailhead The …...
Tamarack Lake: A place of solitude and a mirror for Ralston Peak
Directions Take Highway 50 East from Sacramento almost 50 miles before taking a left onto Jonson Pass Road. You will stay left on this road until it dead ends at Lower Echo Lake. Trailhead The trailhead is located at Lower Echo Lake right near the Echo Chalet. This resort is seasonal and only open from …...
An exciting journey from Echo Lakes to Tamarack Lake and beyond
Echo Lake, also commonly referred to as Echo Lakes, is typically frozen during the winter due to its elevation of over 7,400 feet. The services located at Echo Lake are seasonal and are open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. These services include the popular Echo Chalet and the boat taxi. The trail from lower …...
Horsetail Falls: A challenging hike to an impressive waterfall
The trailhead begins at 6000 feet in elevation and climbs up to 7200 feet in elevation at the top of the waterfall. The trail is only 1.5 miles to the base of the waterfall. However, it’s easy to lose when traveling over the granite slabs. Additionally, the hike to the top of the waterfall requires …...
A quick look at Boomerang Lake
This lake is smaller than Twin Lakes, but it does offers the opportunity of jumping off some 12 foot high rocks into the water. Directions From Sacramento, head east on Highway 50. Roughly 4.5 miles east of the town of Kyburz is Wrights Road. Make a left onto Wrights Road and travel 8 miles until …...
